thermal dynamics cutmaster 51 help

[ringomike]

Hi guys
im thinking of buying the cutmaster 51,
i want to use it manually, while i build my table and then use it on the table
in automatic mode,
is anybody using this machine on their table, and if so what are your thoughts/comments on the 51
i do not forsee cutting anything as thick as 1/2" which it is supposed to handle.

I see from a previous post the cutmaster 81 has three options is this the case with the 51??? cant find any mention of it.

thanks guys great site,
Ringo

[xt300301nut]

Cutmaster 51 has the same options as the Cutmaster 81. If you purchased a system with a hand torch you can later upgrade to a mechanized torch. If you require an "okay to move" signal for your CNC you can also add an optional interface pcb.

Thanks
Gene

[Weldtutor]

Originally Posted by ringomike cutmaster 51, is anybody using this machine on their table,

As shown in the project log, my machine uses a TD Cutmaster 51, with excellent results, on materials from gauge thickness to 1/4".
It is the basic machine with a manual torch, that is also employed for CNC cutting.

For arc starting, 2 wires are attached to existing terminals inside the machine, on circuit board. (See attached photo where screwdriver is pointing to.) The control system activates a relay feeding the 2 wires to close the start circuit.

If an "arc good" signal is required you might want to add a current sensing transformer as an alternative to purchasing the optional interface.

Some suppliers include this transformer with their torch height control packages.

[ringomike]

Hi guys thanks for the info,
while i was checking out the 51 i found cyberweld now lists a
cutmaster 52 instead of the 51.
i asked them about machine and manual use and this was their reply :-

Thanks for your interest in Cyberweld. These machines will not work with CNC machines that have a height control. Thermal Dynamics makes a special Automation machine for use wtih a CNC. We recommend contacting Thermal Dynamics directly for information on the machine you need, and then going through a local distributor. You can reach them at 800-752-7621.

on the thermal dynamics web site they list about five automatic machines in the 51 category, but do not mention hand use
i will phone in the morning and see what they say

how did you get around the THC weldtutor ?????
thanks again guys
Ringo

[Weldtutor]

My system uses a "floating" mechanical torch mount.

Possibly if you check with the supplier of the electronic THC you plan to use, they could tell you if their items will function with the machine you are contemplating purchasing, or suggest an alternative work-around.

CandCNC is a very popular supplier of this equipment with good support before & after purchase.

[xt300301nut]

Thermal Dynamics defines their systems as follows:
"manual" : 75 degree hand torch
"mechanized" : 180 degree machine torch simple interface: okay to move "dry contacts" & start stop
"automated" : 180 degree with remote gas solenoid ; simple interface plus divided arc voltage signals for some height controls
The Cutmaster 52 will only be available for order with a manual or mechanized sytle torch. The automated torch can be field installed onto both the manual and mechanized Cutmaster 52 systems.
Thanks
Gene @Thermal Dynamics Technical Service

[jmsrbrt]

Originally Posted by Weldtutor If an "arc good" signal is required you might want to add a current sensing transformer as an alternative to purchasing the optional interface.

Could you expand upon this "current sensing transformer"...what is it, where do I buy one, how do you hook it up? I have the Cutmaster 51 and right now NOT the $410 for the board to upgrade my cutter. Thanks.

[Torchhead]

IF you are using the CandCNC DTHC (MP1000 or new MP3000) it will work with virtually any Plasma cutter. Our THC sensor card (works only with our THC electronics and is included with the package) reads the undivided Arc volts, scales it and filters out the noise and sends it to our electronics (no internal divider needed). It has the Torch Relay that is wired to either the Torch switch on the hand torch (two wires coming back from the Hand torch) or to the remote start inputs on some plasma units.

The current sense transformer is used for a machine that does not have an "Arc OK" switch signal (call Okay to Move by TD). It's an optional Current sense transformer that is placed in the AC primary side of the plasma and measures the total current. The THC Sensor card has a circuit that has a settable trip point that triggers a small on-board relay for isolation and to send back the Arc OK logic.

So in the end it all depends on what the THC electronics are. Our CT transformer is a $12.00 option but it only works with our THC Sensor card and MP1000/3000 series Digital Torch Height. The MP3000-DTHC WITH the total interface to MACH3 for control (including buffered motor signals) and all the I/O you need from one parallel port is not much more than the Automation option for that cutter.

You can't use a CT transformer on DC (like the workclamp lead) so it won't work there even if you had the rest of the circuitry.

We will have a solution for that in a few weeks but it will require the MP3000-DTHC to operate.

We have run all of the TD models with our electronics without the Automation Upgrade card.

TOM Caudle
www.CandCNC.com
Totally Modular CNC Electronics

[Weldtutor]

Originally Posted by jmsrbrt "current sensing transformer"...what is it, where do I buy one, how do you hook it up?

The attached (fuzzy) picture shows the current sensing transformer installed inside my Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 51.

It is the black square (or round) component with the hole in the centre.

To hook up, the black primary input wire is routed through the hole.

The small white & green wires at the top, left area are the output. These sense that current is flowing through the primary cable.

The pictured item is marked
"Hawkeye 708" Veris Industries. Part #Z201428-0C
WWW.veris.com

A web search for "current sensing transformer" will provide many additional sources & specs.

As mentioned in Torchead's post, some THC units do not require this device.

[cuttinloose]

ON YOUR 51, WHAT KIND OF PRESET VOLTAGE ARE U RUNNING FOR 1/8 MATERIAL AND 1/4 INCH MATERIAL AT 40 AMPS? I AM UNABLE TO FIND A CHART ANYWHERE.
TAHNKS

[Torchhead]

Originally Posted by cuttinloose ON YOUR 51, WHAT KIND OF PRESET VOLTAGE ARE U RUNNING FOR 1/8 MATERIAL AND 1/4 INCH MATERIAL AT 40 AMPS? I AM UNABLE TO FIND A CHART ANYWHERE. TAHNKS

It's more important to know what your voltage is running as you cut specific material at the proper feedrate. The only crucial number you need to develop your own "chart" is the manufacturers recommend ARC GAP. On a TD I THINK the arc gap for cutting is ,100 inch (Hypertherms are .063). Once you have that setup, make a cut at that gap in the material you want the numbers for, and watch the VOLTS readout as you cut. Then write down the average (should not vary but a few volts it the material stays flat) That will be your "target" (PRESET) volts.

I know TD has cut charts for their 82 and 102 series. I thought they had one for the 52 as well.

TOMcaudle
www.candcnc,com

[jmsrbrt]

Originally Posted by cuttinloose ON YOUR 51, WHAT KIND OF PRESET VOLTAGE ARE U RUNNING FOR 1/8 MATERIAL AND 1/4 INCH MATERIAL AT 40 AMPS? I AM UNABLE TO FIND A CHART ANYWHERE. TAHNKS

http://www.thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads...64_63-2315.pdf

This will get you started, but like the previous poster said, your voltage is more important. The speed I cut at will most likely NOT be the voltage you'll cut at. Call Torchmate...they have a downloadable program that you can use to find the cutting speed you need.